Although not open to the public, the Supreme Court building itself is interesting and a good photo-op. Dating back to 1939, this classical building with its stout Corinthian columns was once the exclusive Hotel de L'Europe and is one of the last colonial constructions in the city.

Perhaps not as picturesque but historically more important is City Hall where beneath colonnade the huge flight of steps is where the Japanese surrendered at the end of W.W. II.

Located in one of Singapore's finest colonial structures complete with a silver dome, the former St. Joseph's Institution, (the country's first Catholic school) the Singapore Art Museum's premises nearly qualify as an exhibit. An eclectic exhibition schedule brings world renowned artists to Singapore together with a focus on modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia. Guided tours are available - call 332-3222 for details.

Housed in the impressive National Museum building, itself a national monument, the Singapore History Museum explores the rich heritage of the people of Singapore, from the ethnic and cultural diversity to the birth of the nation through interesting displays and a 3D multimedia show. On Fridays there are 2 special night tours (Tales of the Night) that begin at 7.00pm. and 7.30pm (the tours last about an hour).

Appropriately, the museum has quite a history. First initiated in 1887 as a double entity, The Raffles Library and Museum, by then Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Frederick Weld. During the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II (1942-5), the Raffles Library and Museum managed to stay intact under the charge of Japanese vulcanologist Professor Hidezo Tanadate, who was on friendly terms with General Yamashita, the Commander of the conquering Japanese Army. The Museum separated from the library in 1960 and was renamed the Raffles Museum. After Singapore's independence in 1965, the name National Museum was adopted. In 1993, the National Museum came to be a part of the National Heritage Board (NHB) along with the Singapore Art Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum.

Unfortunately, and unlike brewery tours in many cities, the Singapore Mint doesn't give out product samples at the end of the tour... That said, the Singapore Mint does produce the country's coins and collectors will be interested in the display of domestic and foreign coins.

The Singapore Philatelic Museum is interesting enough for both stamp and non-stamp collectors. Collectors can while away the hours over a reasonable collection of local and international stamps while those less interested can learn a bit of the island's history through a display of stamps and postcards. There is also a display showing how a stamp is issued from concept and artwork through the printing setup until the final product. Guided tours are available. Call 337-3888 for more information.